"Spread the word…Mentoring Works!"

Notes from AMP’s Provincial Coordinator

Mentoring Works
AMP’s Provincial Coordinator Michelle Anderson-Draper had the privilege of attending the National Mentoring Summit in Arlington, VA, at the end of January. The event brought together 700 participants from diverse backgrounds to explore and advance mentoring’s positive impact on individuals and communities. The Summit’s theme was Mentoring Works and focused on how evidence-based quality mentoring quality mentoring relationships help young people succeed at home, in school and at work.
Notes from Michelle about the Summit:

  • The Summit brought together mentoring leaders from youth serving organizations, schools, government – administration and elected officials, researchers and private sector organizations. We truly all do have a role in furthering this important work – together is better.
  • We need to work together to “shift mentoring from a NICE to have to a MUST have” and ensure mentoring is and continues to be part of the landscape of public policy.
  • One of the workshops I attended was ‘Policy Advocacy – An Essential Ingredient in Program Sustainability.’ The presenters stressed the importance of being present and vocal, building relationships, collecting, analysing and using data and claiming our seat at the table by being a trusted resource.
  • There were some great examples of the contribution of the private sector highlighted at the Corporate Mentoring Challenge Awards Luncheon. The event recognized outstanding corporations that have created, expanded or partnered on mentoring initiatives. Businesses shared success stories and talked about giving their employees time to mentor and bringing youth into their businesses to learn and to make connections. Talk about carving career pathways.
  • Overall, I was impressed with the event, made some great connections and took away valuable information about mentoring best practices and the success of mentoring, particularly in the United States.  I also was able to take in a bit of sight-seeing while so close to Washington.

Visit the MENTOR website in the coming weeks for videos, workshop materials, and coverage of the Summit.